Buffalo @ Connecticut preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 4, 2008 ) Connecticut 68, Buffalo 64

Last week was a rollercoaster for Connecticut, allowing 96 points at home in a loss to Saint Joseph’s before welcoming then-No. 6 Florida and beating them in a slugfest. The Huskies now put the focus on Buffalo, their first-round opponent in the Charleston (S.C.) Classic.

After scoring more than 87 points in their first two contests, UConn was held to 62 by the Gators on 35.6 percent shooting. But the Huskies may have an offensive reinforcement in freshman guard James Bouknight, who expects to make his debut after being suspended for crashing someone else’s car and fleeing the scene. Bouknight has been tabbed as possibly UConn's best scorer and should provide immediate production. As for the Bulls, they face perhaps the toughest challenge of their non-conference schedule on the road to returning to the NCAA Tournament, this time under new coach Jim Whitesell.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT BUFFALO (2-1): The Bulls have five players averaging double figures through three games, with Jayvon Graves leading the way at 16.7 points. Not only does guard Ronaldo Segu average 14.3 points, he also has five times more assists (15) than turnovers (three). As a whole, the team has been efficient, knocking down 45.7 percent of its field goals and 42.4 percent of its 3-point attempts.

ABOUT UCONN (2-1): Senior guard Christian Vital has continued to lead the way for the Huskies, averaging 19 points to go with nine rebounds, four steals and three assists. But the unsung hero has been forward Tyler Polley, who has eclipsed double digits in all three games thanks in part to shooting 47.1 percent from 3-point range. Big man Josh Carlton has continued to be a steady force down low, averaging 13.3 points and 8.3 rebounds.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The winner plays No. 21 Xavier or Towson in Friday's semifinals while the losers meet in the consolation bracket.

2. Segu was named Mid-American Conference Athlete of the Week for his performance against Nazareth and Harvard.

3. UConn has averaged 34.3 points in the first half this season compared to 45 in the second half.

PREDICTION: UConn 84, Buffalo 76